Michael Natkin's Aromatic Tofu Packets

Special equipment:

4 (10 x 12-inch) pieces parchment paper or banana leaf, to wrap the tofu and form an envelope; banana leaves can be found fresh or frozen at Mexican or Southeast Asian groceries and sometimes at Whole Foods

Yield:serves 4

Active time:20 minutes

Total time:40 minutes

This recipe appears in:

I've got a penchant for all things tropical, so banana leaves are one of those ingredients that I always have on had. Sure, you can do any en papillote preparation with parchment paper, but banana leaves make for an exotic presentation, plus they add a green, grassy aroma to everything that they surround.

These Aromatic Tofu Packets from Michael Natkin's Herbivoracious are a prime example of why banana leaves have a permanent place in my freezer. Natkin combines a Asian veggies with soy sauced blocks of tofu and wraps them in banana leaves to steam and let all of the flavors meld. Easier than you might imagine, and tastier then the sum of its parts, these tofu packets are the kind of meal that impresses, yes, even those who don't love tofu.What Worked: Soft tofu steamed in banana leaves with all sorts of Asian accented aromatics makes for not only a dramatic presentation but also a fresh take on tofu.

What Didn't: With fresh and dried chiles, these packets are hot. Consider yourself warned.

Suggested Tweaks: If you're not feeling the veg thing, we're thinking that this recipe would be pretty spot-on with boneless chicken thighs or fish filets in place of the tofu.

Special equipment:

4 (10 x 12-inch) pieces parchment paper or banana leaf, to wrap the tofu and form an envelope; banana leaves can be found fresh or frozen at Mexican or Southeast Asian groceries and sometimes at Whole Foods

Directions

1.

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2.

If using banana leaves, you must make them pliable first. Cut out any thick ribs and either boil them for 20 minutes or use tongs to run them over a hot flame.

3.

Cut the tofu into 8 evenly sized slabs about 1⁄2 inch thick. Holding your knife at an angle to the surface of your cutting board, score each slice in two perpendicular directions, being careful not to cut all the way through, with cuts about 1⁄4 inch apart. (Making angled cuts, rather than straight up-and-down ones, exposes even more surface area to the sauce.)

4.

Combine the soy sauce, mirin, broth powder (if using), and water. Place two pieces of tofu in the center of each piece of parchment paper or banana leaf, and spoon a tablespoon or two of the sauce over each one, gently working it into the score lines.

5.

Evenly divide the ginger, lemongrass, jalapeño pepper, scallions, and bell pepper among the packets. Season each with several grinds of black pepper and a big pinch of long pepper.

6.

Fold the top half of the parchment paper or banana leaf down over the tofu, then fold the bottom half up over the top; crimp the top and bottom halves together. Fold the open sides under twice to make a firm seal, moderately tight around the ingredients, but leave a bit of room for steam. Secure the sides with toothpicks. Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. If you are using parchment paper, it will turn quite brown; don’t be concerned.

7.

To serve, place each packet on an individual plate. Tell the diners to open them carefully and enjoy the aromatic steam. Pass the lime wedges.

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